Iconic weddings: Princess Anne and Mark Phillips

A royal romance in its early stages: Princess Anne and Mark Phillips pictured together at the Crookham Horse Trials in October 1972

On May 29, 1973, the couple announced their engagement. Here they are pictured in the grounds of Buckingham Palace the following morning

The dapper future groom proposed to the Queen's only daughter with a sapphire and diamond engagement ring by Garrard Jewellers

Pictured with their parents - from left; Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Mark Phillips, Princess Anne, Mrs Anna Phillips, Mother of the groom, Queen Elizabeth II and Major Peter William Garside Phillips, father of the groom

A spectacular image released to mark the occasion

Six months later, on November 14, 1973, the couple celebrated their wedding day.

The Queen and Queen Mother arrive for the Westminster Abbey ceremony, followed by Prince Andrew and Prince Charles

The marriage took place on the day of Charles' 25th birthday

The radiant bride arrives for her nuptials

She was escorted down the aisle by her proud father, the Duke of Edinburgh

The groom, flanked by best man Captain Eric Grounds, nervously awaits the arrival of his future wife

The couple kneel before the High Altar to have the marriage blessed by the Dean of Westminster, Dr Eric Abbott

Just married - Princess Anne curtseys in front of her mother, The Queen, as her new husband Captain Mark Phillips bows his head

The happy couple leave Westminster Abbey following their marriage

They made their way back to Buckingham Palace in a horse-drawn carriage, waving to the cheering public as they passed

Thousands of people lined the streets of London to share in the couple's big day

In keeping with tradition, the couple made an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following their wedding